“So what’s new?” is an often-repeated question in casual conversation with friends. In a rapidly evolving world, it seems we want to get directly to the topic with dependably rich content. Surely there are new happenings at work, new events on the horizon, new articles read, new processes of life management, new products purchased, new problems at home and so on.
With so much talk about how our lives are changing, parallel discussions emerge about new products, services and experiences that fulfill fresh needs and challenge the status quo. Especially in the domain of urban mobility, a seemingly universal pain point for active city residents. The experience of getting around in an increasingly congested and growing urban environment is awash with daily frustrations and a topic ripe for tailored recommendations. Phrases like, “Did you read that article about…” or “I just bought this new thing that…” or “You might like this new app…” are heard in quicker succession every day.
The value of such personal referrals is in prior knowledge of one’s preferences, likes and habits. In recommending a new product, service or experience, friends don’t just show off their awareness but also hope to inspire new possibilities in life. For example, recommending the Onewheel to recreation enthusiasts looking for a new challenge in transportation might just be the perfect reference; who would turn down the possibility of riding long distances without being stuck in traffic? A motorised skateboard-like transportation device, it isn’t just for some weekend afternoon fun, it could actually replace your car. Wouldn’t it be satisfying to leave behind the woes of stagnant, unhappy queues on the street?
With so much talk about how our lives are changing, parallel discussions emerge about new products, services and experiences that fulfill fresh needs and challenge the status quo
For the fitness buffs able to envision an entirely new mode of exercise and transport, Vycle offers an excellent paradigm shift. A pedal-powered method of navigating our increasingly taller urban world, the system introduces a new possibility between taking the stairs and getting into an elevator. It is the cycle equivalent for vertical movement, a clever way of expanding human-powered reach across floors. Wouldn’t it be fun to Vycle up and down without having to invest in a bike and worry about it being stolen?
Creating new possibilities for urban movement does not only apply for the young or adventurous. For those with limitations, better design can be life changing. As is the case with the Enea walking stick, a lightweight tool that aims to reverse the stigma associated with needing a mobility aid. With its contemporary aesthetic and three-axis handle geometry eliminating dreaded falls onto the floor, Enea looks to offer easy freedom of movement to the mobility challenged. Who would refuse a gentle helping hand in getting around?
Although these products generate renewed opportunities for their intended users, they cannot rely solely on their high performance to become a strong force in the marketplace. However well intentioned the design, personal recommendations are key to elevating the desirability and acceptability of products. How might this friendly suggestiveness become a part of the product experience? Should designers be gently supporting word-of-mouth channels while shedding aggressive marketing methods? Maybe the key lies in facilitating social exchanges and letting users build their own experiences and stories, like this article.
“Some people have looked at our product as a last mile vehicle, but now with a 12-18 mile range it can really take you on much bigger journeys.”
The board features a battery system developed using state of the art NMC cells. These allow the additional range with minimal additional weight. Onewheel+ XR connects to the Onewheel App, available on iPhone and Android, allowing Digital Shaping as well as recording and sharing rides with friends.It’s about creating products that bridge recreation and transportation. It all comes down to creating vehicles from the future and riding them into the sunset with an ear-to-ear grin.
Additional info: www.onewheel.com
There are currently two main methods for vertical transportation that have prevailed for the last 100 years: the stairs and the lift.
Taking inspiration from bicycles, Vycle is a system powered by continuous cyclical movement. Its benefits are twofold: firstly, it will give stakeholders a more efficient and sustainable option to ascend and secondly, variable energy selection will be able to cater to people of varied ages and abilities, whilst creating a personalised experience.
The system is balanced with counterweights leaving the user’s body as the only weight to overcome. Using a gearing system similar to how bikes work the user can decide how much effort they want to put to ascend or descend.
Additional info: www.vycle.co.uk
ENEA builds an emotional connection with the walking stick, seen as a proud design statement rather than an unavoidable manifestation of users’ physical limitations.
Shiro Studio’s ENEA innovative walking stick addresses the stigma and flaws often associated with walking sticks currently available on the market. The handle design also ensures a safe, stable resting balance when leaning onto walls, due to a two-point contact.
The three-axis handle geometry allows the stick to rest vertically on the floor without any additional support. This in turn allows the user to engage in parallel activities without the worry of the stick falling down and having to reach to floor level, a particular problematic scenario for elderly or mobility challenged users.
Additional info: www.shiro-studio.com
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